The comparison trap is the unseen wire that trips us up, stealing our joy and distorting our worth. Our speaker this evening will explore how comparison works, why it destroys our happiness and offer practical steps to free ourselves from the ‘more than, less than’ cycle and embrace our own unique journey. Speaker: Judy Johnson For 35 years Judy has worked as a facilitator and coaching consultant in experiential learning, leadership development and organisational effectiveness. She is known for her insight and her ability to go into the depth of a subject in a fun and interesting way. Judy is an author and co-founder of ‘Peace Halifax,’ a festival for peace in the city of Halifax, Canada. Her books include a young adult novel which she wrote with her two daughters, “The Seven Secrets of the Universe" (2014) and co-author “A-Z Spiritual Literacy" (2016), "Living as Art" (2018) and "Return to Source: The God Experience” (2020). Judy coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Atlantic, Canada.

Every problem contains the seed of its own solution Norman Vincent Peale In a world full of external advice and endless distractions, how do we challenge the idea that solutions are “out there” and learn to trust our own inner compass? This talk will offer practical methods to quieten the noise, overcome indecision and tap into the wisdom and clarity we already possess. John McConnel is a stress management trainer and former prison governor and social worker. He has been studying and teaching Raja Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris for over 30 years. John has a strong interest in the practical application of spiritual principles and insights in daily life. He is the author of Breaking Through The Darkness: how to defeat depression, anxiety and stress - a spiritual perspective.

There’s one ‘rabbit hole’ many people do not want to explore - so extensive has been the conditioning and programming of parents, teachers and culture. It’s an internal journey towards the centre of your self. Only when you make the trip can you know and enjoy the internal scenery and the riches that await. Tonight, Mike will guide you and explain what you are liable to see, feel and know. Mike George is a management tutor, spiritual coach and an author of sixteen books. In a unique blend of insight, wisdom and humour Mike brings together the three key strands of the 21st century – self-awareness, emotional/spiritual intelligence and continuous ‘unlearning.’ Mike is a highly entertaining speaker known for his ability to unite head and heart. For the last 30 years he has been guiding and facilitating the executive development of leaders in companies and communities in over 30 countries. He coaches and mentors individuals towards their own vision of inner success, and helps teams find more cohesive ways to work together and motivate themselves. His books include Being Your Self, Don’t Get MAD Get Wise, The 7 Myths About LOVE and Untangling Religion and Spirituality. You can download the presentation slides from this talk (pdf) here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jc...

Conversation | Dance | Meditation | Candle Lighting with special performance by The Bhavan Guest Speakers: Major Munish Chauhan MBBS, MRCS, DMCC, PGDip, RAMS Major Munish Chauhan, the only Indian-born surgeon in the British Army, is an award-winning leader and researcher whose journey from humble beginnings to military service embodies resilience, remembrance, and inspiration. Major Chauhan arrived in the UK at 17, sleeping rough in his early days before beginning a journey of service and leadership. He has served in both clinical and leadership roles within Defence, enhancing operational readiness and mentoring future officers. Committed to remembrance, he completed a 1000km solo Remembrance Walk and led a team in a 3.5 million-step tribute. He is currently leading a historic British Army visit to India to strengthen ties with the Indian community and Armed Forces, promoting heritage, cooperation, and shared values across cultures. Ami is a brand and marketing expert with over 20 years of experience in the wellness industry. Alongside her professional journey, she has been a dedicated meditator for more than two decades, guiding spiritual programs that help people slow down, reconnect with themselves, and live with greater clarity and purpose. Sister Jaymini has been a student, teacher, and an experienced meditator with the Brahma Kumaris for over 40 years. She is a gifted and inspiring speaker and is at ease in any company, whether high-flying executives or small children. This is a result of her genuine care for the well-being of others. Since 1992 she has been the Director of Brahma Kumaris Publications in London. Being a communications and marketing leader, she has been able to enhance the BK profile of the BKs in the UK and broaden its scope to a wider international community. Jaymini is also the Area Coordinator for BK activities in the Midlands and has inspired many to realise and express their potential through this role. "I never give up hope in myself, God, or others. We all have a unique role to play in life! The secret is realizing it and then we can fully fulfill our potential and become truly happy and content". In a conversation facilitated by Phillipa Blackham, an award-winning radio documentary maker and pesenter. Having worked for BBC Radio for many years, she is now working for a national project '100 Women of Spirit' which explores and celebrates the role of women and spirituality. Phillipa has practised Raja Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris since 1982.

Celebrating World Kindness Day True kindness is not just about being polite or avoiding conflict. It's a powerful, compassionate force that can create profound change. This talk challenges the conventional idea of "niceness" and delves into what it truly means to be kind. Our speaker will explore why authentic kindness requires courage, vulnerability, and the willingness to take a stand, even when it's uncomfortable. Speaker: Tamasin Ramsay Tamasin developed a profound respect for nature and animals in her early years whilst growing up in a rural area in Australia. A keen meditator since childhood, Tamasin formalised her practice when she came across the Brahma Kumaris in 1984 at the age of 18. Tamasin loves being out and about - she has worked on camera as an actor, on the road as a paramedic, in the field as a medical anthropologist (PhD), in parliament as an advisor, and now in the bush as a wildlife rescuer and carer. As a perpetually curious student, she enjoys teaching meditation in ways that are simple, practical, and experiential for everyone.

Exploring What Connects Us Spiritually A Contribution to National Interfaith Week An exploration of the interwoven narratives that run through diverse faith traditions, reminding us that while our beliefs, symbols and practices may differ, our longing for meaning, connection and transcendence is shared. Speaker: Philippa Blackham worked for almost 20 years as a producer and presenter for the BBC, including seven years at BBC Radio 4's 'Woman's Hour'. Since then, she has trained as an Interfaith Minister and now serves as a celebrant. She is part of a team that heads up the Media & Communication work of Brahma Kumaris, UK. She has practised Raja Yoga meditation for over 40 years.

What makes us sometimes defend our position, or opinion with force and at other times stay silent and feel like a doormat? Why do we seem unable to express our needs and feelings without upsetting someone or the fear of doing so? The key might lie in the essential understanding and capacity to be assertive. Join our speaker, Erik Larson to explore: • Why we struggle to express what we truly feel. • What it means to be assertive without being aggressive. • How to master this essential art. Speaker: Erik Larson Based in New York, Erik has been involved with the Brahma Kumaris for over 40 years. With a background in Civil Engineering and experience in property loss control for over 30 years, he blends the very practical with the very spiritual to achieve a common-sense way to look at life and to help others. Erik is a Director of the Brahma Kumaris (USA) and also BK representative to the United Nations. He is a member of the NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief and a member of the Committee of Religious NGOs. Erik is also a founding member on the Board of Directors of the Long Island Multi-Faith Forum.

Curiosity and creativity are two things that make one feel alive. They reveal our individuality. Often a child is full of questions, they have freedom of expression, they play in the moment. Where did we lose that spontaneity and are there ways to rekindle that sense of freedom and enthusiasm for life? Speaker: Pamela Baillie Pamela has studied and practised Raja Yoga meditation for over 40 years and found it invaluable whilst working in an international and multicultural setting. She retired some years ago, after having lived and worked in Switzerland, Japan and Australia. She now lives in SW Scotland in the relaxed setting of the Scottish Artists' Town of Kirkcudbright. She conducts meditation sessions for the community in the "meditation space"; which she has created in her home, a converted art studio.

In celebration of World Values Day This evening’s programme is a joint UK Values Alliance and Brahma Kumaris contribution to World Values Day, 16th October. The theme this year is Values for the Future Hope is like a candle shining in the dark. It gives us the courage and determination to keep going. It uplifts and inspires us to rise to our challenges, whatever they may be. The conversation will be facilitated by Charles Fowler FRSA, member of the Steering Group of the UK Values Alliance and Chair of Human Values Foundation Speakers: Marina Cantacuzino MBE is an author, broadcaster and founder of The Forgiveness Project. Shining a light on restorative processes, the charity works with personal narratives to show how individuals and groups can break cycles of harm, reach across divides, and see humanity in those who have harmed them. Manda Patel is an inspiring teacher and speaker, who has dedicated her life to studying the simple, spiritual truth that lives behind the philosophy of the Brahma Kumaris. She is based in the Global Retreat Centre, near Oxford, where she has played a pivotal role for many years.

If life throws you a curved ball can you take a risk and seize the moment without fear of failure or loss of control? Letting go of rigid plans and embracing uncertainty can lead to unexpected and valuable results and it takes a big heart to make room for others with their unfamiliar habits and ideas whilst maintaining your own integrity. Speaker: Natalie Steel Natalie's varied career has included working in Banking, Television and Social Services. Having lived in Essex for many years, where she discovered the Brahma Kumaris, Natalie now co-ordinates activities for the Brahma Kumaris in Loughborough and the Midlands. Currently offering wellbeing sessions with the NHS and local University, her passion lies in sustaining people spiritually. Natalie is an enthusiastic and accomplished teacher of the Raja Yoga meditation course.

A Contribution to Black History Month Heroes are important. They are not necessarily well-known and may not always be perfect but something about them, be it their courage or determination, their kindness or power to forgive, their tolerance or refusal to give up, touch our hearts and inspire us to keep on going. If they can do what they did, then surely, we can do the same. Join us to listen in on a conversation between Grace Lopez Charles and Samantha Fraser, about the heroes that they would like to celebrate. Speakers: Grace is a retired teacher, lecturer and researcher in the field of Mathematics. For the past 16 years she has been based in Ghana, West Africa, where she coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris there. She is one of three delegates representing the Brahma Kumaris at the United Nations Convention for Combating Desertification. Samantha has been a primary school teacher for nearly 30 years. Although she was born in London, Samantha spent 20 years working in different countries in Africa setting up value based programmes in schools. She also coordinated Brahma Kumaris centres in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.Samantha is currently based at the Global Retreat centre and is the events coordinator.

Beyond the rightness or wrongness of things there is a field, I'll meet you there Rumi Many of us carry the heavy weight of blame - pointing fingers at others, ourselves, or even life itself. And sometimes, we're burdened by guilt for things completely out of our control. This talk explores an important question: how can we release the need for judgment and assigning fault, while still remaining fully accountable for our actions and our lives? Join us to discover how letting go of blame can lighten the load of the past and help us to create a positive future. Speaker: Marcelo Bulk has been associated with the Brahma Kumaris for over 40 years and is the National Co-ordinator of the University’s activities in Colombia. He has worked as a business consultant and facilitator with several major companies in Latin America, Asia and Europe and is currently associated with the Union Consulting Group in Colombia and the Oxford Leadership Academy (UK). Marcelo lectures internationally on topics related to self-leadership, human values and meditation and is the author of The Pathway towards Leadership published in Spanish and Portuguese